April 30, 2018

L. T. Ryan writes his 12th book in the Jack Noble Thriller Series. End Game proves to be an illusive and of course dangerous trip for Jack and Bear and a female former FBI Agent. Through bone chilling cold, sniper fire, wounds, deaths, and international travel, the target eludes the trio.

Jack Noble is a moral compass short of being Mitch Rapp. He's basically settled for being a highly compensated hit man for an old gangster Jack calls "the old man"who has connections in everything and everywhere. However, when the old man wants something special done without any ties to himself, he contracts Jack for the job. It's always risky but the money's good.

I've read several novels in the Jack Noble series, and they never fail to provide complex plots with intense action. It's not that Jack is soul-less. It's that he's been seriously betrayed by his former government superiors and has serious doubts when it comes to respecting authority figures. Even though the old man is not to be trifled with, Jack's smart-a%# attitude treats him no differently than anyone else in Jack's sphere of influence.

In End Game the old man wants an "end" to a particular individual named Thanos who is being pursued by multiple groups which Jack is unaware of until he makes a trip to the man's home. He's added his best friend and former mission partner to this gig ("Bear") and reluctantly acquires a former undercover FBI Agent Lexi who constantly surprises them with "new" information and contacts. Other than each other, Bear and Jack don't know if they can trust anyone, including Jack's former boss Frank, who has re-signed Jack for the Thanos mission, and Lexi's contacts. This job proves to be deadly in more ways than one.

End Game is one of those stories which concludes without a neatly tied up finish, leaving the real "end game" in question. A reader can expect an entertaining book with the same amount of profanity found in a Ryan novel as with Flynn/Mills or Thor and some sexual references, rarely if ever graphic. L. T. Ryan has written another good Jack Noble novel.

Father, I pray you would continue to bless L. T. with stories and that he would recognize from whom his talent comes. Please keep him and his family safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

April 29, 2018

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

April 27, 2018

Micah headed to the restroom to use the facilities and wash up before ordering. The memories often came like a surprise attack, assaulting his senses giving him no time for resistance. For just one tiny moment in the less than four second glimpse of the couple out front, the girl had reminded him of Jean. No resemblance in her appearance. Why then? The inevitable old grief threatened him with the choking sensation of holding back unwanted, and now seemingly unwarranted, tears. So many years ago. Why did it still hang around like a noose tightening its grip on the last breaths of his life, daring him to survive his loss?

He stared into the mirror above the sink, willing himself back to the present by focusing on his expression — clearing the evident sadness out of his eyes. It wasn’t that he wanted to forget any of it, even the grief. It’s that it was so long ago and he was just now desirous of moving on. To who knows where but somewhere else besides the gloom of sorrow’s place etched forever in his mind by the memory of his first and only too-short-lived love.

Father, you told me to "pick up the pen and I'll give you the words". You've been faithful even when I've floundered. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

April 26, 2018

Written like a fictional biography, The Famous One gives the life story of Joey Parr. As writers, we tend to favor certain characters just as our readers pick and choose their own favorites that stick with them over time. I try to limit my self-promotion to a couple of times a year, so this is 2018's version of "selling" you on one of my favorite characters that I've written.

Some people have been personally touched by Joey's story, so I'm presenting him to you today hoping if you're a review reading individual, you will take the reviews on Amazon to heart and decide to give The Famous One a chance to grab yours.

Thank you for allowing me this indulgence.

Father, thank you for every word. You know my heart. You inspire. I write. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

April 25, 2018

Father, what must the Garden of Eden looked like . . . so untainted by man's sin. I cannot imagine that kind of beauty known only to your creation. Thank you for allowing some of it to remain in our sin-stained land. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

April 24, 2018

From the amazingly talented (and dysfunctional) group Fleetwood Mac, off their album "Rumors", the live version of Go Your Own Way on tour in '97.

Father, so many band members in those now distant days didn't know you. Only you know the current state of their hearts. Thank you for gifting them with such talent. I pray they know who gave it to them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

April 23, 2018

Author and missionaryLisa Harris has written a good and poignant thriller (published in 2013). Dangerous Passage discovers the deaths of two young Asian women have more than their killer in common.

Detective Avery North and Assistant Medical Examiner Jackson Bryant join forces to hopefully uncover the serial killer murdering young Asian women. Both having faced hard losses in their private lives, neither is sure their attraction to one another is something they should pursue during the difficult search for a ruthless killer of two girls with magnolia tattoos on their shoulders. Although that connects the victims along with their ethnicity, nothing else seems to tie them together. Through the odd circumstance of a homeless man, they identify the niece of a suspicious but prominent Asian businessman and his wife who reported their niece missing when she didn't come home one evening.

With flawed information and an assault on Avery after she receives a threatening note, the case becomes even more disturbing. After finding another young Asian woman working close to the home of the last victim, Avery suspects she knows more than she is able to communicate.

Lisa handles the faith elements and the romance with a genuine touch. The two main characters grow to understand each other and Jackson is a real man in his guarded pursuit of Avery while doing his job and providing the singular clue to the deeper issues in this puzzling case. Truly likable characters.

Tackling a tough subject carefully, Lisa Harris brings much needed attention to an ever growing worldwide demonic stronghold in the midst of a well told story.

(Personally, I don't think the cover gives a good rendition of the characters, and I honestly don't care for it which is nothing more than a commentary on the cover art.)

Father, please continue to bless Lisa, let her writing continue to speak for those without a voice, and fill her with the stories you have just for her to tell. Please keep her and her family safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

April 22, 2018

As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. "Aeneas," Peter said to him, "Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat." Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

*Honorable Mention (because she wrote a good series, and she knows I'm not crazy about Women's Fiction): Coming Home Series by Brenda S. Anderson

Father, please continue to meet the needs of your diverse writers. May they always know who gives them the words and the perseverance to keep writing their stories. We're all desperate for you, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

April 19, 2018

Next I needed to ascertain Mr. Wonderful’s whereabouts the previous night and wait for the determination of cause of death. Turned out his name was Roman Diego, the assistant trainer for Walter Casey who was kind of a local big-shot, perennially in the top five leading trainers. Lying on his right side at the edge of the bed, Roman’s only clothing was the beige sheet covering his manhood, no blood anywhere, and it looked like he fell asleep—or passed out—and never woke up. Long dark wavy hair obscured his face, but his torso and left arm bent at the elbow and resting on the mattress were well-muscled which made me think he probably exercised the Thoroughbreds at his barn.

The crime scene tape forbade entrance to the immediate area which would surely annoy the people who had to work at this end of the barn and live in the neighboring tack rooms, not to mention spook a few Thoroughbreds with its unfamiliar yellow color flapping in the cool breeze.

Death always presents an inconvenience.

Father, apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you for every word. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

April 16, 2018

Mystery novelist Rachel Stowe accompanies her boyfriend Chief of Police James Gilroy to an unusual evening party hosted by a couple (Stuart and Lauren) who've been friends with Gilroy for a number of years although they don't see each other often. Included in this so-called party are a few other guests who don't seem to know each other well and who the Chief and Rachel do not know. When they get to the host's spectacular home, the small group gathered in another room appear to be having a heated discussion while Lauren looks on in discomfort.

Stuart offers to show Rachel his impressive green house since Gilroy had noted her love for all things gardening. However, after an innocent inquiry by Gilroy about Stuart's Venus Flytraps, Stuart leads them to the plants while giving them a strange philosophic soliloquy about how the plant operates leaving both Rachel and the Chief uncomfortable and suspicious of his intent after having made odd disparaging comments about his other guests.

Suffice it to say there is a murder which illogically casts suspicion on Chief Gilroy and leaves him out of the investigation as a result of the mayor's insistence. With his deputies Underhill and Turner in charge, Rachel and her super-sleuth mystery gang with its latest member, Julia's boyfriend, add information that explodes in the Chief's office.

With background misinformation, suspicion of theft, vengeance, and twisted intentions, Chief Gilroy and the group come to the sad conclusion of the curious investigation.

If you love cozy mysteries, you simply must indulge in the Juniper Grove Mystery Series. Book 7 is just another captivating addition to the group who live, work, investigate, and play in the small town of Juniper Grove. Karin has done an excellent job of creating the endearing characters in this series. Rachel Stowe, her self-deprecating personality, intuitive investigative skills, and her developing love for the man she initially contested at every meeting moment, holds the other characters together in friendship and adventures. The Queen of Cozy Mysteries is at again in Death Trap.

Father, you know exactly what Karin needs on a day to day basis. You know the hurt she's recently experienced. You know all things about her life and the good you intend to provide for her. Please shower her with your abundance and inspiration. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

April 15, 2018

The Spirit says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

April 13, 2018

I got the worst haircut of my life in 7th grade. I wore a scarf over it for a few days.

I started biting my fingernails in 7th grade because of the tension I felt. Never kicked the habit.

I was in an accelerated math class which I should not have been - probably the main reason for the nail biting.

Everyone wanted to grow up. I still wanted to be a kid.

I had no classes with my closest friends.

Did you have a year of school you deemed the worst?

God, somehow you got me through those rough times without my knowledge of and reliance on your beloved Son. You've been so gracious to me my entire life in spite of me, patiently waiting for my heart to realize my need for Jesus. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

April 12, 2018

(Originally posted on June 13, 2014 as the "Unexpected death in . . . Skeleton Canyon".)

I decided to venture outside the CBA market for a little break just to see if it was possible to read a decent (as in not immorally saturated) crime novel from the talented and prolific bestselling novelist J. A. Jance. I picked up in the middle of her Joanna Brady Series with Skeleton Canyon because this particular back cover copy gave me just enough to entice me, and I never felt like I'd missed too much history by starting in the middle. And, lo and behold, it was not a God-less novel!

Much to my surprise I learned J.A. Jance spends divided time between the Seattle area and Tucson, Arizona, so could justifiably be called a "snow bird". This Sheriff Joanna Brady novel primarily takes place in Bisbee, Arizona.

With clear illustrations of the local terrain and weather patterns affecting the crime solving, Jance weaves an interesting and complex tale involving the beautiful but challenging daughter Brianna (Bree) of an older wealthy paraplegic man David O'Brien and his former nurse Katherine. O'Brien married Katherine after slowly recovering from a fatal accident which cost him his first wife and their two children. Brianna is keeping her first love a secret from her disapproving parents, finding her father impossible to please.

"Nacio" Ybarra faces similar prejudices from his family for wanting to be involved with the white girl, so they take secret periodic breaks and meet at a designated camping spot in Skeleton Canyon for their short weekend rendezvous. Nacio had received a full scholarship for his football skills until he shattered his leg in the local game with Brittany's high school. He had hoped to become a doctor. And they planned to go away to college and finally be together without having to hide.

But the intersection of multiple crimes results in a murder and makes solving it a heavy weight on Sheriff Joanna Brady. Dealing with the arrogant and angry David O'Brien is a feat in itself when Brianna comes up missing and her parents discover she didn't go where she said she was going.

When Sheriff Brady's air conditioning on her personal vehicle requires a quick fix, she learns of a Freon smuggling situation so she calls a contact to share her information.

When her friend (Angie) with a checkered past takes Joanna's advice to accompany a bird expert (Dennis Hacker) to watch hummingbirds, that meeting ends in disaster in multiple ways.

All these seemingly unrelated events culminate one evening in a chase and crash during another desert storm. How everything ties together in the end is skillfully done, tragic, emotional, and almost hopeful by the end of the story.

J. A. Jance proved to be an entertaining storyteller who keeps on point but injests meaningful and defining revelations of her characters. There was even an element of faith in the background which gave the story a deeper level of purpose without the emptiness of secular writing.

If you need a fast summertime read that moves along quickly and allows you to feel the searing heat and the pelting rain of the Arizona desert, I highly recommend J. A. Jance's Skeleton Canyon. I'm fairly sure her other novels will fill the bill as well.

Father, I pray your continued blessing and inspiration over J. A. Jance. You know her heart. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

April 10, 2018

Father, so much music is about love, but we can't experience anything like your perfect Love. You are Love. We can touch it when we touch you but won't know it until we're with you. Thank you for the touch and taste as we wait for the real thing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

April 09, 2018

When you need a release from common fiction, you can count on James Scott Bell to deliver. His "Habit" series will amuse, warm your heart, bring out that "justice served" desire in you, and make you want to learn Krav Maga (at least it did me).

Sister Justicia Marie, aka former child star and actress Brooke Bailey, barely survived her Hollywood career, her dad living his fantasy through her, drugs and alcohol, and making it through re-hab, before finding her Lord Jesus Christ and becoming a nun. However, she's discovered her training for a character in a Steven Segal film which never finished production has come in exceptionally handy - much to the disdain of the Catholic church. So to avoid further conflict with the head Sister where Sister Justicia was suspended from teaching children, she purchases an abandoned building in the heart of NoHo (North Hollywood) where no one with any common sense wants to spend time. She opens it as a shelter for the homeless, mentally impaired, and those seeking help.

When another conflicted Sister joins her at the shelter and pleads with Sister Justicia to teach her this self-defense, Sister Justicia is torn between what is right and good and what is . . . not. But, believing in her last result purpose of using her defensive skills, she agrees to teach the younger sister her moves and the two of them found The Order of the Sisters of Perpetual Justice.

This four part series presents all kinds of opportunities for Sister Justicia to meet with head gangster "the Pope of Los Angeles", her long lost father, Father Dom whose "Hoo boy" at her confessions is a hoot, and a variety of unsuspecting, lawbreaking members of the Los Angeles community. So many lawbreakers in fact that she becomes known as the "kick-butt nun" much to her chagrin and the embarrassment of the local Cardinal who deems she should be sent away to meditate on her penchant for violence. The dialogue is crisp Bell and often hilarious. The premise is thought-provoking although often clothed in humor and church hypocrisy.

So much fun to read.

Father, you know the stories you have for Jim to tell. I pray your continued blessing over his sterling career and may he honor you in all he does and writes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

April 08, 2018

Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called) - Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by which he spoke.

Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God."

So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They produced false witnesses who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking against the holy place and against the law. For we heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us."

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

. . . . . . . . . . .

"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him - you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."

When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But, Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.